First Resurrection services held in churches across Cyprus

On the morning of Holy Saturday, Orthodox churches throughout Cyprus held the First Resurrection services to commemorate the victory of life over death. During the liturgy, priests scattered laurel leaves while congregants made loud noises by striking pews, a symbolic representation of the earthquake described in the Resurrection narrative. While the atmosphere in most locations was solemn, specific local events drew attention. At the Holy Stavropegiac Monastery of Saint Neophytos, the service was characterized by deep religious devotion. Conversely, at the Holy Church of Timios Prodromos in Kornos, a priest performed a sprint, despite official recommendations from the Holy Synod and the Archbishop of Cyprus to observe the traditions with more restraint. Meanwhile, at the Metropolitan Church of Saint George in Paralimni, Father Herakleidios appeared to follow a more subdued approach compared to previous years. The services concluded with the traditional chanting of 'Arise, O God'.